2010 NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID coolant temperature

When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the power steering warning light illumi-
nates. After the Hybrid System is in the READY
mode, the power steering warning light turns off.
This indicates the power steering system is op-
erational.
If the power steering warning light illuminates
while the Hybrid System is in the READY mode, it
may indicate the power steering system is not
functioning properly and may need servicing.
Have the power steering system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
When the power steering warning light illumi-
nates with the Hybrid System in the READY
mode, there will be no power assist for the steer-
ing but you will still have control of the vehicle. At
this time, greater steering effort is required to
operate the steering wheel, especially in sharp
turns and at low speeds.
See “Power steering” in the “Starting and driving”
section.
Electronically controlled brakewarning light (yellow)
This light functions for both the regenerative
brake and electronically controlled brake sys-
tems. When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position and the Hybrid System is in the READY
mode, the light stays on for about 2 seconds. If
the light comes on at any other time, it may
indicate the regenerative brake and/or the elec-
tronically controlled brake systems are not func-
tioning properly. Have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
If the hydraulic brake warning light also comes on
with the parking brake not applied, stop the ve-
hicle immediately and call a NISSAN dealer. For
additional information, see
Brake systemin
Starting and Driving section.
WARNING
Your brake system may not be working
properly if both the brake warning light
and electronically controlled brake sys-
tem warning light come on when the Hy-
brid System is in READY mode and the
parking brake is not applied. Driving could
be dangerous. If you judge it to be safe,
drive carefully to the nearest service sta-
tion for repairs. Otherwise, have your ve-
hicle towed because driving could be
dangerous.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light flickers or comes on during normal driving,
pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
immediately and call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level. See “Engine oil” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause se-
rious damage to the engine almost imme-
diately. Such damage is not covered by
warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as it
is safe to do so.
High temperature warning light
(red)
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the high temperature warning light illu-
minates and then turns off. This indicates that the
high temperature sensor in the engine coolant
system is operational.
2-12Instruments and controls

For front passenger air bag status light operation,
see “Front passenger air bag and status light” in
the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section of this manual.
High beam indicator light(blue)
This blue light comes on when the headlight high
beams are on and goes out when the low beams
are selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Low temperature indicatorlight (blue)
The low temperature indicator light illuminates
when the engine coolant temperature is low.
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the low temperature indicator light illu-
minates and then turns off after the engine cool-
ant has warmed up.
If the low temperature indicator light stays illumi-
nated after the engine has sufficiently warmed
up, it may indicate the low temperature sensor in
the engine coolant system is not functioning
properly and may need servicing. Have the sys-
tem checked, and if necessary repaired, by a
NISSAN dealer promptly.
Malfunction Indicator Light(MIL)
If this indicator light comes on steady or blinks
while the Hybrid System is in READY mode, it
may indicate a potential emission control mal-
function.
The Malfunction Indicator Light may also come
on steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing,
or if the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make
sure the fuel-filler cap is installed and closed
tightly, and that the vehicle has at least 3 gallons
(11.4 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds when
the engine is not running, it indicates that the
vehicle is not ready for an emission control sys-
tem inspection/maintenance test. See “Readi-
ness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual. Operation
The Malfunction Indicator Light will come on in
one of two ways:
● Malfunction Indicator Light on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel-filler cap. If
the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, tighten
or install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
light should turn off after
a few driving trips. If the
light does not
turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected by a NISSAN dealer. You
do not need to have your vehicle towed to
the dealer.
● Malfunction Indicator Light blinking — An
engine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system. To re-
duce or avoid emission control system dam-
age:
– do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH (72 km/h) .
– avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
– avoid steep uphill grades.
– if possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed.
2-16Instruments and controls

Push the AUTO button to return to automatic
control of the fan speed.
Air recirculation
Push the air recirculation buttonto recir-
culate interior air inside the vehicle. The indicator
light on the switch will come on.
The air recirculation button will not be activated
when the air conditioner is in DEF or
mode.
Air flow control
Push the air flow control buttons to manually
control air flow and select the air outlet:
— Air flows from center and side
vents.
— Air flows from center and sidevents and foot outlets.
— Air flows mainly from foot outlets.
— Air flows from defroster and footoutlets.
— Air flows from defroster outlets.
To turn system off
Press the/OFF button.
OPERATING TIPS
●When the engine coolant temperature and
outside air temperature are low, the air flow
from the foot outlets may not operate for a
maximum of 150 seconds. However, this is
not a malfunction. After the coolant tempera-
ture warms up, air flow from the foot outlets
will operate normally.
The sunload sensor, located on the top of the
instrument panel on the driver’s side, helps the
system maintain a constant temperature. Do not
put anything on or around this sensor.
WHA0791
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems4-21

●Watch for slippery spots (glare ice) .
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch of
ice is seen ahead, brake before reach-
ing it. Try not to brake while on the ice,
and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
● Do not use the cruise control on slip-
pery roads.
● Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
WARNING
● Do not use your engine block heater
with an ungrounded electrical system
or a 2-pronged adapter. You can be se-
riously injured by an electrical shock if
you use an ungrounded connection.
● Disconnect and properly store the en-
gine block heater cord before turning
the Hybrid System ON. Damage to the
cord could result in an electrical shock
and can cause serious injury. ●
Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged ex-
tension cord rated for at least 10 A. Plug
the extension cord into a Ground Fault
Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded
110-VAC outlet. Failure to use the
proper extension cord or a grounded
outlet can result in a fire or electrical
shock and cause serious personal
injury.
Engine block heaters are available through
NISSAN dealers to assist in cold temperature
starting. The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 20° F (-7° C) or
lower.
To use the engine block heater: 1. Turn the Hybrid System OFF.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension
cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded 110-
volt AC (VAC) outlet. 5. The engine block heater must be plugged in
for at least2-4hours, depending on outside
temperatures, to properly warm the engine
coolant. Use an appropriate timer to turn the
engine block heater on.
6. Before turning the Hybrid System ON, un- plug and properly store the cord to keep it
away from moving parts.
Starting and driving5-25

WARNING
Do not push start this vehicle. The three-
way catalyst may be damaged.
CAUTION
Hybrid models cannot be push-started or
tow-started. Attempting to do so may
cause electrical or transmission damage.If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by the
high temperature warning light) , or if you feel a
lack of engine power, detect abnormal noise, etc.
take the following steps.
WARNING
●
Do not continue to drive if your vehicle
overheats. Doing so could cause engine
damage or a vehicle fire.
● To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while the
engine and/or inverter is still hot. When
the radiator cap is removed, pressur-
ized hot water will spurt out, possibly
causing serious injury.
● Do not open the hood if steam is com-
ing out.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake and move the shift selector
to P (Park) .
Do not turn the Hybrid System off.
2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the windows, move the heater or air conditioner
temperature control to maximum hot and fan
control to high speed. 3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or cool-
ant is escaping, turn the Hybrid System off.)
Do not open the hood further until no steam
or coolant can be seen.
4. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the en-
gine and/or inverter, stand clear to pre-
vent getting burned.
5. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking,
the water pump belt is missing or loose, or
the cooling fan does not run, turn the Hybrid
System off.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or the
engine cooling fan. The engine or engine
cooling fan can start at any time.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
6-10In case of emergency

The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with Genuine NISSAN Engine Coolant to provide
year-round anti-freeze and coolant protection.
The anti-freeze solution contains rust and corro-
sion inhibitors. Additional engine cooling system
additives are not necessary.
WARNING
●Never remove the radiator or coolant
reservoir cap when the engine is hot.
Wait until the engine and radiator cool
down. Serious burns could be caused
by high pressure fluid escaping from
the radiator. See precautions in “If your
vehicle overheats” found in the “In case
of emergency” section of this manual.
● The radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure type radiator cap. To prevent en-
gine damage, use only a genuine
NISSAN radiator cap.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be sure
to use only a Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent with the
proper mixture ratio of 50% anti-freeze
and 50% demineralized or distilled water.
The use of other types of coolant solu-
tions other than Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent,
may damage the engine cooling system.
Outside temperature
down to Genuine
NISSAN
Long Life
Antifreeze/ Coolant or equivalent Demineral-
ized or dis- tilled water
°C °F
-35 -30 50% 50%
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant level in the reservoir when
the engine and inverter are cold. If the cool-
ant level is below the MIN level
B, add coolant to
the MAX level
A. If the reservoir is empty, check
the coolant level in the radiator when the en-
gine is cold. If there is insufficient coolant in the
radiator, fill the radiator with coolant up to the filler
opening and also add it to the reservoir up to the
MAX level
A.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
LDI0554
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself

CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
A NISSAN dealer can change the engine coolant.
The service procedure can be found in the
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
●To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the en-
gine is hot.
● Never remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator.
● Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
● Keep coolant out of the reach of chil-
dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations. The inverter cooling system is filled at the factory
with Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant to provide year-round anti-
freeze and coolant protection. The anti-freeze
solution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors.
Additional inverter cooling system additives are
not necessary.
WARNING
●
The temperature of the inverter rises to
140° F (60° C) . Never remove the coolant
reservoir cap when the engine and in-
verter are hot. Wait until the engine and
inverter cool down. Serious burns could
be caused by high pressure fluid escap-
ing from the reservoir.
● The inverter reservoir is equipped with a
pressure type cap. To prevent engine
and inverter damage, use only a genu-
ine NISSAN inverter reservoir cap.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be sure
to use only a Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent with the
proper mixture ratio of 50% anti-freeze
and 50% demineralized or distilled water.
The use of other types of coolant solu-
tions other than Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent,
may damage the inverter cooling system.
Outside temperature
down to Genuine
NISSAN
Long Life
Antifreeze/ Coolant or equivalent Demineral-
ized or dis- tilled water
°C °F
-35 -30 50% 50%
INVERTER COOLING SYSTEM
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9

CHECKING INVERTER COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir when
the engine and inverter are cold. If the cool-
ant level is below the MIN level
B, add coolant to
the MAX level
A.
If the inverter cooling system frequently
requires coolant, have it checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
CHANGING INVERTER COOLANT
A NISSAN dealer can change the inverter cool-
ant. The service procedure can be found in the
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in inverter
overheating.
WARNING
● To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the in-
verter is hot.
● Never remove the cap when the inverter
is hot. Serious burns could be caused
by high pressure fluid escaping from
the inverter coolant reservoir.
● Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
● Keep coolant out of the reach of chil-
dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Start the vehicle and let it idle until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn off the vehicle. Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Re- insert it all the way.
LDI0583LDI0555
ENGINE OIL
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself